CHAPTER V 



DISEASES OF THE LACRIMAL APPARATUS 



The principal diseases of the lacrimal apparatus in 

 the animal are those which affect the lacrimal sac 

 and nasal duct. 



Dacryocystitis.— This is an inflammation of the 

 lacrimal sac. It may be catarrhal or purulent. In 

 the purely catarrhal type the sac becomes somewhat 

 thickened and distended. There is considerable ten- 

 derness on pressure and the sac is fuller than normal. 

 By deep pressure a mucosecretion can be pressed out 

 through the puncta, though if the duct is free, that is, 

 if there is no stenosis, it may be pressed downward 

 through the duct. In the purulent type the sac be- 

 comes very greatly distended, and is exceedingly tender 

 upon pressure. The outlet of the duct is usually oc- 

 cluded and the tears flow over the cheek (epiphora). 

 If not early treated the case takes on the appearance 

 of an abscess, and the wall of the sac ruptures and 

 the pus finds an exit through the skin at a dependent 

 portion. Oftentimes a permanent fistula is the result 

 of this condition. 



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